Jim Reiter being tested for HIV. Photo courtesy of Manfred Joehnck.
For the first time, Saskatchewan is participating in National Aids Testing Day.
A number of events are scheduled around the province. The intention of the day is remind everyone to “know your status” and to say, “yes to the test.”
The All Nations Hope Network in Regina will be conducting tests today on a number of community leaders, including Health Minister Jim Reiter. Other dignitaries that will be on hand include Police Chief Evan Bray, civic politicians and leaders of the Cowessess First Nation.
Saskatchewan has the highest HIV infection rate in Canada, which is more than twice the national average. Eighty-one per cent of all new cases are in the Aboriginal community.
The highest rate of infection is the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region, where the rate is more than four times the provincial average.
In the Prairie North Health Region, which includes Battlefords, a project was launched today to increase HIV testing by 50 per cent by November of this year. The local medical health officer and a group of doctors are spearheading a campaign to have all patients routinely offered the test at all points of care, including doctor’s offices, emergency rooms and walk-in clinics.
HIV drug users are in the highest risk group. The second most common form of transmission in Saskatchewan is heterosexual sex.
Preliminary numbers from last year indicate there were 170 new HIV cases, up about six per cent from 2015.